One of Baudville’s best practices for Customer Service Week includes Pocket Praise, our popular mini-note cards. Every year, our managers write a note to each employee and have it waiting for them when they arrive in the morning. This has become a favorite part of our week-long celebration that you can hear more about it in this Recognition TV webisode.
The easy part of writing notes to your team is picking the card design and putting the cards on their desks. The hard part is knowing what to write! When sitting down to write your Customer Service Week notes, use these tips and ideas to draft meaningful messages to your team.
1. Say thank you. Thank the individual for their contributions. Let them know you couldn’t do it without them and you’re thankful they’re on your team! Try to write “thank you” or “I appreciate” at least twice in your note. I usually include it once at the beginning and again at the end.
2. Be specific. What specific qualities or characteristics does this individual have that are valued at your organization? Do they have the patience of a saint with not-so-saintly customers? Are they a creative problem solver who can get the product into customers’ hands no matter what? Identify what makes each team member unique and put it in writing.
3. Talk about values. I’m confident that regardless of your type of work or where you’re located, your organization has values that drive how it does business. If you want employees to embody those values, then you need to recognize them! Customer Service Week is a great time to do that. Which value do you see this individual exhibit day-in and day-out? Tell them about it!
4. Avoid criticism. Remember that Customer Service Week is all about appreciating your frontline employees. Sure, there are areas where each of your employees could improve, but don’t be tempted to include criticism in your note! The purpose of this note is to tell your team thanks and let them know what they’re doing right. Save the coaching for another day.
Not get started! Just because Customer Service Week 2012 is October 1-5 doesn't mean you can't get a head start! For more positive feedback ideas and phrases you can use in your notes, visit our Recognition Resource Center for our popular Give Positive Employee Feedback with your own Positive Words article.
--------------------------
Cori is Baudville's in-house Recognitionista (she's officially a Certified Recognition Professional, too) and a member of the Millennial generation. Get her employee recognition tips and special discounts by liking Baudville on Facebook.
